Personalized Cricut Explore Sign

I love to give personalized gifts, but sometimes they can be rather pricey.  When I got my new machine, I was so happy that I was going to be able to create a Cricut Explore Sign each time I needed one.

This was the first project that I made when I got my Cricut Explore.  Looking back, I really should have used my machine more before trying this type of project.

Supplies Needed for Cricut Explore Sign

• Walnut Hollow Wood Slice
• Dark Brown Adhesive Vinyl for the last name
• Any color adhesive vinyl for the Capital Letter
• Transfer Tape
• Minwax Wood Finish Stain – Golden Pecan 245
• Minwax Fast Drying Polyurethane Clear Satin 
• Paint Brushes
• Rubber Gloves (optional)
• Old Rags
• Newspaper or something to cover your work area

Instructions

1. Using your Cricut Explore, cut out the capitol letter in vinyl.  Use a bold, block font.  The color of vinyl doesn’t matter.  You are only using it for a mask and will peel it off after staining the wood.
2. Using application tape, apply the letter to your wood slice.
3. Apply the stain over the vinyl letter, covering the whole surface.  I’m not an expert wood worker, and it was difficult to get an even color.  Keep working with it, until you get it the way you want it.
4. When the stain is dry, remove the vinyl letter.  This type of stain seeps or bleeds under the vinyl, leaving a blurred edge.  It looks great on this type of rustic project, but I would have been disappointed if I had wanted crisp edges.
5. Seal the wood disk with Minwax Acrylic sealer.  I put on 3 coats and let it dry between each coat.

6.  Using the Cricut Explore, cut out the last name that you want.  I used a very dark brown vinyl.  Apply with transfer tape.  The vinyl will feel like it’s not going to stick, but as it cures, it will adhere itself to the finish.
7.  To finish the Cricut Explore Sign, I added 2 more coats of Minwax Acrylic Sealer.

I love how this sign turned out, but it took me a whole weekend to finish it!   I really chose something challenging for my first Cricut Explore project.  I gave it as a wedding present, and the Bride and Groom loved it.

Now that I’ve used my Explore Machine alot more, I’m much more confident about tackling big projects.

 Sign up for my newsletter for lots of crafty information!